CruiseNewby47

We booked our first HAL cruise last month and learned about the gift cards.  I bought a couple of cards a couple of days ago and wanted to "test" it first to see how easy it is to use to use them to pay for the cruise.  I tried to do it online a few minutes ago but it would not process.  So I searched for this topic and I'm glad to learn that we need to call HAL and read the numbers to them.

Do you know if we can do it in batches?  Like when I have 5, I can call them to apply 5 and then call them again the next month to apply 5?  I hate the idea of having to read 25 cards to them!  

Thank you!

On 6/17/2023 at 6:45 AM, ducruiser01 said:

My cruise is scheduled to arrive at Port Said in October next year. After careful consideration, I have chosen to book a city tour of Port Said with Nile Blue Tours, primarily because of their local presence. I want to note that I have already taken the Pyramids tour with Ramses Tours last year. If anyone has recently used Nile Blue Tours and has any feedback or comments, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.
 

Hello.  I was wondering how long ago you've taken the Ramses Tours and what your impression/experience was.  We are still looking for a tour company/excursions for our Cairo & Alexandria ports.  Thank you!

8 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Good idea- But we always take a drink package- sometimes non alcoholic.  The water and coffee drinks are worth it for me.

Hi!  We have only sailed Celebrity once and  had the Classic premium package, and we enjoyed being able to get water and coffee then.  We are not big drinkers so the alcoholic-beverage packages are wasted on us-- but I would like to get some coffee and water package that you mentioned.  Is that available on Celebrity's website?  What is it called?  Thank you!

Edited:  I found the package on Celebrity's website.  Thanks for the information -- I didn't see it at first and looked again after seeing your post.

Looking forward to reading more. Thank you for posting. We are sailing in a few weeks!

I am so glad you talked about and shared pictures of your Skagway tour. We are booked on the helo dog sled with extra landing on a glacier in Juneau --- but knowing it's the most cancelled excursion, I want to at least get on a glacier another way, at a later port (we are doing southbound). Not a fan of helicopter ride (only taking this one because it's the only way to go up to the dog sled site) so I was very happy to see you can walk on a glacier without flying! I emailed the tour company and they have availability (so far, as of today) for us on the day we'll be there --- so, yay! Anyway, that was a long way of saying thank you for sharing!!! :-)

Buses usually run until about 6p. What "can"?????

 

You have to determine IF you can get a drop off- OR, just arrange a cab between the two. Otherwise, you are going to waste at least an hour backtracking back and forth.

 

Of course you can get a bus- if they are running- to what ever time.

 

You do HAVE to call a cab yourself, needing at least a 30 minute window.

Thank you, Budget Queen. Ooops....yes, that's supposed to be a "cab" back to port. And 6pm sounds better than 5pm!! If we were to be dropped off at the glacier after our morning excursion, would we be able to take a bus back since it's a $30 RT fare (i.e. we are only going one way)? I thought I remember seeing someone else discuss this but can't remember what was said.

Edited to add: I am more on the ball than I realized; I bookmarked that thread --- and yes, it looks like you can get one way/return bus: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2343262&highlight=mendenhall

We have a helo-dog sled tour in the morning and are planning to go to Mendenhall in the afternoon.

However, I understand buses stop running at around 5pm and wondering if it's best to get dropped off at Mendenhall and then take a can back to the port. Or if we could catch a ride on the bus one-way (back to port) if we happen to be done by the last bus run. Does anyone know? Thanks!

location wise.... I would have recommended the Hampton suites while in downtown.... you get Hilton perks there too.

 

Hilton Metrotown is good WITHOUT luggage. Depending on when you arrive.... brutal with traffic via cab. Hilton Metrotown can be ugly with luggage.

 

I think Hilton Vancouver airport in Richmond would have been a better choice.

Hi! There's so much information I'm trying to absorb/remember...and I'm not doing a good job keeping track of it all. How long of a ride would it be from downtown (Hampton Suites) to the airport? And how much is the taxicab fare, on average?

Thank you!

I was on the Eclipse for 14-day Caribbean with my bike with this group in Feb/Mar of this year. They take a max of 25 bikes, which includes their rode captains, in our case we had 24 bikes total. There were 3 of us ladies riding our own with our DH on their own, and the rest were 2-up. So I guess our group was about 40.

 

I would certainly hope we were no imposition to the other passengers - we departed before everyone and returned after, had our own designated seating in the dining room, and typically spread out on the ship on sea days and crashed pretty early each night as the days were long! I do not recall any large formal gathering for the whole group any evening. Though we often gathered in small groups as friends cruising together would - though to be clear, this was a group from all over US and Canada, and we did not know each other until sailing.

 

There is no port where you are allowed to ride on your own. All riders stay together and we were met by local motorcycle groups and local police and escorted around the island for the day. We went through strict customs each day before we left and upon our return by local authorities.

 

Hope this eases your mind a bit, but feel free to ask any other questions you'd like. :)

 

~Cyndi~

Hi, Cyndi. This sounds like a cruise my FIL would love! He loves to ride and has taken his bike (BMW) all over the country, Alaska included. The Alaska one was done thru a cruise line but the smaller ships. I think he'd love to go to one of these, since he loves meeting new people. Can you tell us how he could get more information on cruises like these? Might make a good gift from us to him! Thank you!

Wanted to thank you all again, esp martincath and Putterdude, for all the info. I went back and re-read martincath's first response to me about taking the Nanaimo ferry back to Horseshoe Bay.

I think our new plans are to pick up a car as soon as disembarking (Thank you, AAG and xlxo for the exchange; I booked a Thrifty car there as a result) and spend 2 nights in Victoria (Friday and Sat) -- then do the Sea and Sky gondola on Sunday, and maybe just do a drive around Whistler. Then spend Sun and Mon night in Vancouver, with an early Tue evening flight out. I think this way, we will get to see the 3 places, with enough time in Victoria and in Vancouver. No bike ride but can't be helped since the boys are hesitant to rent bikes because they think their personal bikes are such a "perfect fit" for them that they think they won't enjoy the ride as much without.

Thanks again!!! Wheels up in less than 2 weeks for us! Can't wait to see BC for the first time as I missed out on family trips/drive up from So Cal when I was younger.

It is a tough decision. It's so expensive, and we're already doing a lot of other things on our cruise (also booked late). If it makes you feel any better, I came across this blog from several years ago by a person who went to Traitor's Cove (not sure with who), didn't see any bears and had a great time anyway.

 

https://sevenseajourneys.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/winging-it-in-alaska-bearly/

Seeing bears fishing is the main reason for me and my son to do this excursion -- although my husband would be happy enough with the plane ride.

So you're there the day after us? I hope we both see bears!

There are never any guarantees in the wild, of course, but we were in Ketchikan on August 3rd last year and we had an incredible experience at Traitors Cove.

 

First off, the float plane ride was a blast. We used Island Wings and recommend them highly both for Michelle's piloting and Tim's experience as a guide at Traitors Cove.

 

For the 1.5+ hours we were on the platform, we saw at least six black bears including a mother and cub. We got to witness the bears interacting (some pleasantly, some not so much!) and catching a lot of salmon.

 

It was an unforgettable experience and one we would love to repeat. Though next time, we would probably book earlier with Island Wings in the hopes of securing permits to Anan Creek where we might be able to see brown bears as well.

 

This excursion was definitely pricey, but it was one of the highlights of our first trip to Alaska.

I am so glad to read this as I have booked an excursion for Aug 3 to Traitor's Cove. I know they say its season is later than Anan, in Aug...but since ours is Aug 3, I was afraid it's still too early vs August 15 and later.

I, too, really wish I have been better prepared for Anan. But this is kind of a last-minute decision and didn't even buy our cruise until after final payment --- very late in the game for the popular excursions.

3) first - no need to pay hotels in cash! Pay with credit card, in advance through Expedia, Priceline or whomever and you should be able to get USD rates. If you pay hotel directly they will Bill in CAD - how much you'll lose on the conversion depends on your own C Cards Foreign Transaction Fee. Check your terms & conditions. Many hotels will offer to Bill in diff currencies - this costs you approx 4% in my experience, which is usually a worse deal than a CC RTF rate.

 

1) & 2) Tsawassen ferry terminal is the usual route to Victoria from Vancouver. In a cab is the simplest, but kaching. Could go over $100 each way (taxifarefinder . Com gives accurate estimates - I'm on my teeny tablet so can't post the route link easily). You also have to get from Swartz Bay terminal into Victoria.

 

Rental car would be my recommendation. I posted to your earlier query about looping on the island, coming back via Horseshoe Bay to link in with the Sea to Sky drive.

 

Other options are public transit (actually comparable speed, as no need to show up early like in a car, but a major hassle with luggage...) or a packaged bus & ferry ride to Victoria from BCFConnector . Com who run buses from downtown to downtown for approx $130pp return, with pickup at the cruise terminal. If you just want to see Victoria itself, or Butchart gardens, you can easily live without a car in Victoria.

Thank you again, Martincath, for all the info! You've been very helpful and I really appreciate it!

There's a list here that has all the companies that can guide or transport to Anan. I believe this is complete, although several are boat trips and not all originate in Ketchikan so check the details. http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3836485.pdf

 

I'd be less concerned with Traitor's in early August, from what I've read. I think we're a week or two early for that area.

http://www.visit-ketchikan.com Just go through the flight seeing vendor list.

This is the list of authorized operators as you said. You really don't need a "guided" trip. Several of you walking together along the platform and being observant is enough to be bear aware. Of course, it would depend on your own personal comfort level though whether you would accept an "outfitted" trip with no guide.

Thank you, all! I emailed all the flight-seeing vendors and they said they don't and some said don't know of anyone who does.

Our day to Traitor's Cove is very early in August; I hope we do see bears there!

Thanks again.

Hello. I was here asking about going to Whistler last month. We are also entertaining possibly going to Victoria for 2 days/2 nights and possibly cutting Whistler to just a day trip.

My questions are:

1) If we go to Victoria, we will go there directly after disembarking. From the port, where do we go to catch the ferry to Victoria?

2) Upon our return to Victoria, we have a hotel booked in the downtown area. What would be the easiest way to get tour hotel from the ferry? And what would be the least expensive option?

3) I see recommendations to get Canadian dollars to use -- does that also apply to hotels? Carrying that much cash seems a bit worrisome. How much (%-wise) would I lose if I were to use a credit card vs paying cash? I'm thinking our 2-night hotel stays in each place will be around $1,000 Canadian dollars.

Thank you so much for your help!

I've gone through all the floatplane vendors, I just double checked we hit them all.

Hi. Wondered if you found a list of vendors who have permits to Anan or if you compiled. If you compiled your list, did you go through floatplane vendors on tripadvisor.com who offered Anan flights?

I booked for Traitor's Cove for first week of August. I really would like Anan but I didn't plan ahead and did not really know my options when I tried to book it and was told it wasn't available. I wish it occurred to me then to check other vendors, but it didn't...and when it finally did, I called a couple and was told they were sold out.

How many vendors did you have on your list/called? Thanks!

BudgetQueen, do you also recommend Neets over Traitor's Cove for first week of August? Thanks!

May I suggest Cruise Travel Firecracker Sale in your Google Search. You will find both their Facebook page listed & the website.

I, too, was wondering and hoping for a hint/search term so I can take a look at the fabulous savings everyone is talking about. I tried to search the same words but in different order and did not get what I got when I used your suggestion. Thank you!!!!

YUP - maybe every other day. USUALLY, you can, due to price reduction for Concierge and/or Aqua, move up at minor upcharge. Suites seem to hold firmer prices. If not using TA, try CapnClub number for change.

 

I always buy basic veranda and move up later as opportunities arise but you have to be watching. Recently switched to reduced-price Family Veranda that momentarily popped up 3 weeks before sailing near my basic veranda price.

 

If you switch to a senior, residency type rate, you lose your BBB perks. GOOD LUCK

I did not know about these. I booked a C2 cabin after final payment (kind of a last minute decision; couldn't decide where/what to go/do!) and I never looked at prices again -- but maybe I had a good deal since it was after final payment? I guess I will never know. :-)

Is this something you can do online if you booked directly through Celebrity? Can you upgrade online or do you call them if you see a price drop you want to take advantage of?

So much to learn!!!

My strategy is to always book the lowest category I can stand to be in (oceanview) on the higher priced cruises and hope to upgrade after final payment. Even on the popular cruises like South America, this has almost always paid off for me and I end up with the category I wanted in the first place but at tremendous savings. Sometimes I even luck out and get cabins in prime locations!

I'm curious about the significance of "after final payment". Do prices drop for the higher categories after final payment? And how do you check? Just check prices every day and compare to what you have booked? Thanks!

I had bears cross right in front of buses, and near the roads. Pure chance sightings. And not common. Very low percentage of my trips.

These bears photographed look like they're right there...but of course, with zoom lenses, they could actually be farther away. I would love to see them up close like this (but in the safety of the bus! ;-) ) -- but yes, I imagine it's pure chance sightings. Wonder if some years, there are more than others.

How far away were the bears? And what time of the year did you go? We are going end of July to early August. We have an excursion booked for Traitor's Cove, but to see that from the bus on TWT would be awesome!

Thanks!

Can't you cash out your OBC? Check on the Celebrity board to see, if the casino is an option. I know RCI allows cashing out with a 5% charge, but so what? 95% in your pocket is better than trying to figure out how to spend it.

It's OBC given by the ship so it's non-refundable. And there was some discussion that they are no longer allowing you to cash in your OBC at the casino. They did discuss the 5% charge, and I completely agree that 95% is better than 0...but it seems nowadays, you can get casino credit but you can only keep the winnings. The original credit has to be put back into your account.

That would be a good idea. Our table mates took the Summit tour and it wasn’t much, a bus ride up to the fogged in Summit. I don’t think you can go wrong with taking Dyea Dave tour up to Emerald Lake/Carcross and take the train back to Skagway from Fraser. Dyea Dave puts on an excellent tour.

on a good excursion to book with the ship? I'd like to use our OBC sight-seeing instead of shopping or eating at specialty restaurants.

Your tablemates' trip up to the fogged in Summit certainly seems like a waste of time/money, if that's the case. Thanks again for the input!

and it sounds like a excursion best to leave alone. :-)

We will have to pick something else -- like the Ocean Raft Wildlife Adventure or White Pass Railway. We booked our 2 big excursions (Traitor's Cove by Floatplane and Glacier Dog Sledding with Extra Landing) and would rather book a Dyea Dave tour if booking our own in Skagway.

Thanks again.

This is just a drive up and down the Klondike Highway, the summit is a 30 mile round trip.

 

No, you are no where near Emerald Lake. you probably aren't going to enter Canada? You will have a few miles of common view with the train.

Thanks, Budget Queen!

The tour does say this:

"Important Notes :

- Guests travel to an elevation of 3,292 on steep mountain roads.

- This tour crosses the US/Canadian border; therefore, guests are required to carry their passport, and visa if required.

- Written consent required for children traveling into Canada without both parents."